Projects

Mixed findings on state positive affect, typically assessed just before an exposure/extinction session, as a predictor contradict more consistent evidence from clinical trial data that baseline levels of trait positive affectivity (i.e., positive emotionality) can predict exposure therapy outcome. As such, questions remain about the best way to assess positive affectivity as a potential treatment moderator.

Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for anxiety and fear-related disorders. However, some patients fail to achieve complete remission or show a return of anxiety symptoms following treatment. The purpose of the study is to determine the extent to which one’s emotional reaction to a CO₂ inhalation task can help predict who might or might not respond to therapy.

This study aims to examine the effectiveness of a large-group intervention designed to target anxiety sensitivity or the fear of anxiety and related sensations. Additionally, examining the feasibility of establishing an exposure therapy consortium is another central aim of this study. An exposure therapy consortium may help formalize efforts to better study mechanisms of action and optimization strategies, thereby aiding the goal of improving exposure efficacy and implementation of exposure therapy.

Exposure-based cognitive behavioral therapy is an established treatment for anxiety disorders, yet individual responses vary considerably. Identifying specific mechanisms of change is therefore critical for optimizing treatment efficacy, and prior research has pointed to post-exposure positive emotions, particularly increases in pride, as predictive of better treatment outcomes.